Please Let Me Continue in My Sins!
"Judge not, that you be not judged." - Matthew 7:1
Especially in today's culture, I would venture to say that this is possibly the most misunderstood and taken out-of-context verse in the Bible. It is often referenced when someone feels trapped and he/she has been caught in sin and is followed by an impulsive reaction. Not only do those who reject Christ as Savior use this reference all the time, but also those who profess faith in Christ. How can this be? Is it a lack of understanding as to what Jesus meant when He said this or should those who frequently use this verse to defend sin be in question as to the genuineness of their claim to Christ?
"Don't judge me!" Such a statement ought to never come out of the mouth of a Christian, for it is nothing but futility. You ought to know that there is only one true Judge (John 8:50). Even so, Jesus Christ paid the price for your sins in order that you would be justified, not judged, based on what He did on the cross. Yet, the context of this verse reveals that not all judging is prohibited (Matt. 7:16). With careful discernment, Christians are called to use a righteous kind of judgment (John 7:24), which excludes legalistic, hypocritical, self-righteous, or unfair judgments. With the mind of Christ, Christians are to judge according to Jesus' commandment to discern dogs and swine (Matt. 7:6) and fellow loved ones (Matt. 7:3-5). Verse 6 explains why Jesus did not do miracles for unbelievers (Matt. 13:58); this was done not out of contempt for those who rejected Christ, but rather in respect for what is holy. Likewise, Christians are called to use this same principle when handling the gospel in the midst of those who hate the truth.
"Aren't you supposed to be a Christian?" "I thought Christians couldn't cuss?" Whatever the case might be, how much weight are such words from another person whom you perceive to be "judging" you? Have you been caught in some sin and you very much dislike how that made you feel? If so, confess it for what it is, repent, and press on forward. If the words are unjust, however, that is your opportunity to shine the light of Christ and be merciful toward the other person. Don't try to shut a door that God has possibly opened.
Christian, don't find an excuse to continue in your sin by responding, "Don't judge me!"
Especially in today's culture, I would venture to say that this is possibly the most misunderstood and taken out-of-context verse in the Bible. It is often referenced when someone feels trapped and he/she has been caught in sin and is followed by an impulsive reaction. Not only do those who reject Christ as Savior use this reference all the time, but also those who profess faith in Christ. How can this be? Is it a lack of understanding as to what Jesus meant when He said this or should those who frequently use this verse to defend sin be in question as to the genuineness of their claim to Christ?
"Don't judge me!" Such a statement ought to never come out of the mouth of a Christian, for it is nothing but futility. You ought to know that there is only one true Judge (John 8:50). Even so, Jesus Christ paid the price for your sins in order that you would be justified, not judged, based on what He did on the cross. Yet, the context of this verse reveals that not all judging is prohibited (Matt. 7:16). With careful discernment, Christians are called to use a righteous kind of judgment (John 7:24), which excludes legalistic, hypocritical, self-righteous, or unfair judgments. With the mind of Christ, Christians are to judge according to Jesus' commandment to discern dogs and swine (Matt. 7:6) and fellow loved ones (Matt. 7:3-5). Verse 6 explains why Jesus did not do miracles for unbelievers (Matt. 13:58); this was done not out of contempt for those who rejected Christ, but rather in respect for what is holy. Likewise, Christians are called to use this same principle when handling the gospel in the midst of those who hate the truth.
"Aren't you supposed to be a Christian?" "I thought Christians couldn't cuss?" Whatever the case might be, how much weight are such words from another person whom you perceive to be "judging" you? Have you been caught in some sin and you very much dislike how that made you feel? If so, confess it for what it is, repent, and press on forward. If the words are unjust, however, that is your opportunity to shine the light of Christ and be merciful toward the other person. Don't try to shut a door that God has possibly opened.
Christian, don't find an excuse to continue in your sin by responding, "Don't judge me!"
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